Barbara A. Tapia
Reno,NV
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate with a proven track record of effectively managing multiple priorities while maintaining a positive attitude. Recognized for willingness to take on additional responsibilities to meet team goals. Thrives in fast-paced environments and adept at prioritizing tasks for efficient workflow. Committed to delivering high-quality results and contributing to team success.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Immigration Services Assistant-OA GS-07/10
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services/Department of Homeland Security
02.2022 - Current
- Provide administrative support at the USCIS for the Reno Field Office through supporting the immigration process by assisting the Immigration Services Officers in their duties through managing case files, data entry, document review and uploading to relevant system, client communication through correspondence or phone, scheduling appointments and contributing to the overall efficiency of the office with maintaining compliance of rules, and regulations
- Responsible for managing all incoming and outgoing mail and managing electronic and physical file movement utilizing the RAILS file tracking program, ensuring that files are accurately tracked to maintain accountability for their movement both internally and to any external USCIS offices
- Maintaining organized case files for both physical and electronic documents, scanning and uploading documents using current systems
- Conduct quarterly file audits for records compliance for the Reno Field Office, as well as A files that are currently held at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agencies
- In addition, performing a weekly files audit known as the DBIS report, ensuring that all files exceeding due dates are given to the assigned officer for review and adjudication, in order to comply with the file retention guidelines
- Manage the clerical processing of all the citizenship and naturalization applications for Northern Nevada, which includes scheduling of all approved applicants for the naturalization ceremonies, preparation of the naturalization certificates, safeguarding sensitive information, protecting personal data, and providing technical advice on all naturalization-related procedures
- As the primary organizer of naturalization ceremonies, served as key liaison for USCIS and the federal court to expedite Judicial and Administrative in over 100 ceremonies preparation
- Trained and mentored three new Immigration Services Assistants in key operational processes, including data entry for incoming and outgoing mail, document handling and file organization
- Provided guidance Records management on file room practices, such as receiving files with correct RPC codes, pulling files for interviews and requesting files for staff and other agencies
- Cross-trained ISAs in specialized tasks as they gained experience and confidence in their roles
- Participated in the INSITE (Internal Self-Inspection, Tracking and Evaluation) program for the past two years, in the area of mail management, which focuses on strengthening internal controls by evaluating compliance with policies and regulations to address any internal deficits with a corrective plan
Financial Assistance Representative
Renown Health
08.2019 - Current
- Perform financial specialist functions by accurately gathering demographic, insurance, financial information from a variety of sources, i.e
- Patients, Patient’s families, Physicians and their office staff, county and/or governmental agencies
- Ensure that patients without an insurance payor source are screened and assisted with applications for government, local or charity assistance including the Financial Assistance Program (FAP) and Clear Balance Health Care financing program offered by Renown Health
- Verification of insurance eligibility and benefits for in-house patients
- Obtained prior authorization for newly admitted patient for emergency medical services or elective procedures
- Collected any pending balances from Verification of Insurance eligibility and benefits for in-house patients
- Obtain prior authorization for newly admitted patients for emergency medical services or elective procedures
- Process payment collection of due copayments, deductibles, or estimates created by the pre-registration team for scheduled procedures
Patient Access Representative
Renown Health
10.2018 - 08.2019
- Collected and verified patient’s demographic information at the time of registration on the date of the appointment
- Reviewed all the required medical intake forms with patient and obtained patient’s signature prior to admitting for medical services
- Verified eligibility and benefits from insurances, determined estimated costs for service being provided, collection of any insurance’s co-payments, co-insurances and deductible
- Process payment and provided patients with receipt
- Made timely referral to the Financial Assistance Department for patients that were unable to pay their portion of any financial obligations or estimates for medical services
Senior Legal Assistant, GS-09/6
Federal Public Defender, District of Nevada
03.2004 - 05.2017
- Assisted attorneys with trial preparation by developing trial exhibits, drafting motions and reviewing and organizing documents for trial discovery
- Drafted a variety of legal documents legal documents under attorney supervision
- Typed, formatted, and edited letters, pleadings, stipulations, motions and client forms for court submission following attorney review and approval
- Scheduled court dates and deadlines, client appointments, and meetings, for assigned attorneys, using various legal applications
- Coordinated GSA/government travel arrangements, prepared itineraries for all staff attorneys
- Submitted post-travel reimbursement vouchers for travel expenses
- Scheduled continuing legal education (C.L.E) workshops for all staff and CJA/court-appointed attorneys
- Provided information and assistance to inquiries from the public, screened incoming telephone calls and requests for information, routed calls from clients, and outside agencies, to the appropriate staff or attorney
- Performed internal conflict checks on all incoming grand jury indictments to avoid potential attorney-client conflicts of interest prior to the attorney presenting at court for the initial court appearance
Education
Associates of Applied Science - Paralegal/Law
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
Reno, NV12.2011
Associate of Occupational Studies - Business Administration
Monroe University (formerly Monroe College)
Bronx, NY12.1994
Skills
- Computer skills
- Research
- Supervision and leadership
- Quality assurance
- Data entry
- Training & Development
- Communication
- Customer service
- Flexible and adaptable
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Conflict resolution
- MS office
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Immigration Services Assistant-OA GS-07/10
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services/Department of Homeland Security
02.2022 - Current
Financial Assistance Representative
Renown Health
08.2019 - Current
Patient Access Representative
Renown Health
10.2018 - 08.2019
Senior Legal Assistant, GS-09/6
Federal Public Defender, District of Nevada
03.2004 - 05.2017
Associate of Occupational Studies - Business Administration
Monroe University (formerly Monroe College)
Associates of Applied Science - Paralegal/Law
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
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